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HomeSportsUFC hands APSU Women's Basketball 61-43 loss

UFC hands APSU Women’s Basketball 61-43 loss

APSU Sports Information

APSU Women's Basketball - Austin Peay State UniversityOrlando, FL – Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team concluded its stay in Orlando with a 61-43 loss to UCF, Sunday, at the UCF Thanksgiving Classic.

The Governors finished the invitational 0-2, dropping their overall record to 4-3 this season.

Austin Peay Women's Basketball loses to UCF Sunday afternoon at Thanksgiving Classic. (APSU Sports Information)
Austin Peay Women’s Basketball loses to UCF Sunday afternoon at Thanksgiving Classic. (APSU Sports Information)

APSU struggled offensively in the opening period, shooting 11 percent as a jumper by junior guard Bri Williams at the first quarter was the only points for Austin Peay.

The Govs managed 14 points in the next stanza, with 12 of APSU’s 16 first-half points scored by guards.

The highlight for the Governors was the play off the bench by freshman guard Nieja Crawford. Crawford provided a much-needed spark, driving to the basket with aggression to finish with a team-high 13 points. Senior center Tearra Banks quietly posted a double-double as well, scoring 10 points added with 10 rebounds.

The Knights led the entire way, but APSU never backed down, pulling to within 10 at the 6:26 mark of the third quarter. But the early deficit was too much to overcome as Austin Peay was dealt its second-straight loss.

Game Notes

The 13 points by Crawford is a career-high, almost doubling her previous high of seven points. The freshman went to the free throw line six times which also led the team.

For Banks, it was her third double-double of the season and 10th of her collegiate career.

Senior forward Beth Rates recorded two blocks in the contest, moving to fifth all-time on the APSU career blocks chart with 94.

Austin Peay’s best offensive period was the third, shooting 50 percent from the field. However, it was also UCF’s as the Knights shot 66 percent.

Junior center Brianne Alexander earned her first start of 2016, totaling four points and two rebounds while dealing with foul trouble.

All thirteen APSU players saw the court, with seven of them scoring on the afternoon.

Austin Peay was outrebounded 44-32 and lost the turnover battle with 21 against UCF’s full court press.

David Midlick’s Message

“She made some shots for us. She took the ball to the basket and went to the free throw line six times which is good to see.”

Up Next for APSU

Austin Peay returns to its home court 5:15pm, Wednesday, for a matchup against East Tennessee in the Dunn Center.

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